Getting Around Timor-Leste
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use mikrolets and taxis in Dili. Rural: Rent a car for eastern districts exploration. Islands: Ferries and boats. For convenience, book airport transfers from Dili to your destination.
Bus Travel
Inter-City Buses
Reliable bus network connecting Dili to major towns like Baucau and Maliana with daily services.
Cost: Dili to Baucau $5-10, journeys 2-4 hours depending on road conditions.
Tickets: Buy at bus terminals or from drivers, cash only, no advance booking needed.
Peak Times: Avoid early mornings and weekends for less crowding and delays.
Bus Passes
Informal multi-ride options available through local operators, or pay per trip for flexibility.
Best For: Multiple district visits over several days, savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Main bus stations in Dili or district capitals, instant purchase.
Ferry Connections
Ferries link Dili to Atauro Island and Oecusse enclave, operated by government services.
Booking: Purchase tickets on the day at ports, schedules vary with weather.
Main Ports: Dili Port for departures, with connections to Indonesian ports nearby.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring remote districts and beaches. Compare rental prices from $40-70/day at Dili Airport and city centers.
Requirements: Valid international license, credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Full coverage advised due to rough roads, verify inclusions.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, no highways.
Tolls: None, but expect checkpoints and occasional fees on secondary roads.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow mountain roads, pedestrians in villages.
Parking: Free in most areas, secure parking $2-5/night in Dili hotels.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations limited outside Dili at $1.20-1.50/liter for petrol, diesel similar.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for offline navigation, essential for rural areas.
Traffic: Light overall, but potholes and livestock common on main roads.
Urban Transport
Dili Taxis & Mikrolets
Minibuses (mikrolets) and taxis cover Dili, single ride $0.50-1, day pass informal $3-5.
Validation: Pay driver upon boarding, negotiate fares for taxis in advance.
Apps: Limited, use local knowledge or hotel recommendations for routes.
Bike Rentals
Bike rentals available in Dili and tourist spots, $5-15/day with basic shops.
Routes: Coastal paths around Dili, careful on shared roads with vehicles.
Tours: Guided eco-tours in national parks, combining cycling with nature views.
Local Buses & Services
Government and private buses operate in districts, connecting markets and towns.
Tickets: $0.50-2 per ride, cash payment to conductor or driver.
Island Links: Boat services to smaller islands, $10-20 round trip fares.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near Dili markets or bus terminals for easy access, coastal areas for beaches.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for dry season (May-Oct) and festivals like Timor Fest.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for weather-affected travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for air conditioning, WiFi, and generator backup due to power outages.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in Dili and main roads, spotty in remote areas with 3G fallback.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from $5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Telemor and Timor Telecom offer prepaid SIMs from $5-15 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 3GB for $10, 10GB for $20, unlimited for $30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels and cafes in Dili, limited elsewhere.
Public Hotspots: Airports and government buildings offer free public WiFi.
Speed: 5-20 Mbps in urban areas, suitable for browsing and calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Timor-Leste Time (TLT), UTC+9, no daylight saving time.
- Airport Transfers: Dili Airport 5km from city center, taxi $5-10 (10 min), or book private transfer for $15-25.
- Luggage Storage: Available at Dili Airport ($3-5/day) and some hotels in major towns.
- Accessibility: Limited ramps and facilities, rough terrain challenging for wheelchairs.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on ferries with restrictions, check accommodation policies.
- Bike Transport: Bikes can be carried on buses for small fee, arrange in advance.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Timor-Leste
Dili International Airport (DIL) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Dili International (DIL): Primary hub, 5km from city with taxi connections.
Baucau Airport (BCU): Domestic flights 120km east, basic bus links to Dili.
Oecusse Airport (OEC): Small airstrip for enclave, limited flights from Dili.
Booking Tips
Book 1-2 months in advance for dry season (May-Oct) to save 20-40% on fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tuesday-Thursday) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Bali or Darwin and connect via short flights for savings.
Budget Airlines
Airnorth, Citilink, and NAM Air serve Dili from Australia and Indonesia.
Important: Include baggage fees and visa requirements when comparing costs.
Check-in: Online 24 hours before, airport processes can be slow.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in Dili, limited elsewhere, fees $2-4, use major banks to minimize charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels and shops, cash preferred in rural areas.
- Contactless Payment: Emerging in Dili, but cash dominant for most transactions.
- Cash: Essential for markets, buses, and small vendors, carry $50-100 in small USD bills.
- Tipping: Not customary, small amounts appreciated for exceptional service in tourist spots.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid informal exchangers with poor rates.